About Us
Our Location
The Tahquamenon River was made famous in the Longfellow poem “Hiawatha”. Known for the water’s rich amber color, which is the result of the leaching of tannic acid from the cedar and hemlock swamps, the Tahquamenon River is 89 miles long and empties into the great Lake Superior. The main focal point of the river is the Upper Tahquamenon Falls, a 200 foot-wide waterfall with a 50 foot drop. This is also where you can find Camp 33, the gift shop for the Upper Falls.
Our History
Jack and Mimi Barrett, grandparents of the current owners, loved to make frequent trips canoeing, portaging, and camping as they traversed their way from their home in Newberry along the river to the falls. Their love for the area compelled them to purchase the land adjacent to the falls. All the while, Jack dreamed of a time when the Tahquamenon Falls and forest could be made available for all to experience. Up to this point in time, the mid 20th century, the falls were inaccessible except by boat. When the time was right, he orchestrated the construction of a road to the site and then negotiated with the Department of Natural Resources for the gift of his land to be used specifically for a State Park. A restriction in the deed directed that the road and parking lot would terminate 3/4 of a mile from the falls and that visitors would proceed on foot, thus preserving the park’s natural beauty and virgin forest.
So what exactly is Camp 33? Logging camps were often given numbers rather than names and this camp rightfully receive the name Camp 33 as it was the 33rd logging camp the Barrett Logging Company was to construct. In 1950, a replica of a logging camp was constructed under the watchful eye of Jack Barrett; it was to serve the public as an eating and resting place.
In 1990, the grandchildren of Jack and Mimi Barrett rebuilt Camp 33, featuring a fire place, snack area, and gift shop. They dedicated the new structures to the man whose foresight and philanthropy made possible the experience we all enjoy today. In 1996, the Brewery & Pub were built in keeping with the founder’s vision and creating a new experience for visitors to enjoy.